Rani Ki Vav (Queen's Step Well) Patan - The Stepwell Constructed In Third Millennium BC - Gujarat - India

Rani Ki Vav Patan also known as Queen's Step Well is the oldest stepwell located in Patan the state of Gujarat. It Is believed to have been built during 1022 to 1063 AD. It was added to the list of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites on 22 June 2014. The Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) is located on the banks of the Saraswati river and was initially built as a memorial to a king in the 11th century AD.

Location: Patan Gujarat India
Built in: 1022 to 1063 AD
Constructed by: Queen Udaymati
Best Season: Throughout the year
Open Time: Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Queen Udayamati decided to build rani ki vav in the memory of her husband King Bhimdev I. King Bhimdev I was belonged to Solanki dynasty. Rani Udayamati has completed the construction of Rani Ki Vav in 1063. Bhimdev I was the son of Mularaja, the founder of the Solanki dynasty of Anahilwada Patan. The stepwell was later flooded by the nearby Saraswati river and silted over until the late 1980s, when it was excavated by archeologists. When restored, the stepwell’s magnificent carvings were found in pristine condition. The step well is an ode to architecture, a poetry in stone, a piece of ornamental beauty where sculptures speak to you from every panel and wall . Descending deep into the ground, the last of the seven levels merges with mother earth. You can see terraces or pavilions at each level supported by pillars, apparently more than 220 of them and over 500 sculptures decorate it.

Ran Ki Vav step well has more than 500 principle sculptures and over a thousand minor ones on the walls, pillars and beams. They combine religious, mythological and secular imagery, often referencing literary works sculpted intricately. Also there were Chambers built in the Rani Ki Vav. Here, the royal families rested in the summer months. The water from the well acted as the natural air conditioner by decreasing the heat and making the breeze cool. At water level one can see see, carving of Sheshashayi-Vishnu, in which Vishnu reclines on the thousand-hooded serpent Shesha. Some carvings in Rani Ki Vav resemble the mirrored textiles of the region. The step wells of Gujarat were not just constructions to collect water. These monuments were for the village people to socialize with each other. These wells also held a great spiritual significance. Designed as an inverted temple highlighting the sanctity of water, it is divided into seven levels of stairs with sculptural panels of high artistic quality; more than 500 principle sculptures and over a thousand minor ones combine religious, mythological and secular imagery, often referencing literary works. Rani ki Vav is a really excellent step well which is a must place to visit for anyone staying anywhere near Ahmedabad. This Indian stepwell has many really beautiful carvings which are equally as impressive as those found adorning the beautiful Jain Temples at Khajuraho.

Entry Fee For Visit Rani Ki Vav (Queen's Step Well) Patan

• For Indian Citizens: Rs 5/- Per Person
• For Indian Foriegners: Rs 100/- Per Person
• Videography: Free
• Photography: Free

Opening Time For Rani Ki Vav (Queen's Step Well) Patan

• Timing: Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Best Time To Visit Rani Ki Vav (Queen's Step Well) Patan

The best time to visit Rani Ki Vav (Queen's Step Well) Patan is between October and March when the weather is good to explore this historic step well.

Tourist Attractions Near Rani Ki Vav (Queen's Step Well)

There are no more mejor Tourist spot in Patan but In Ahmedabad which is about 125 km from Rani Ki Vav (Queen's Step Well) Patan there are many tourist places like Dada Hari ni Vav step well in the eastern part of the Old City, Sarkhej Roza Complex at the southern edge of Ahmedabad, Adalaj Step Well is around 15kms from Ahmedabad, Modhera Sun Temple in Modhera, Sidi Saiyad Mosque etc.

Shopping Near Rani Ki Vav (Queen's Step Well) Patan

Patan is also known for the unique weaving craft of ‘Patola’ silk sarees. These sarees are produced in a great vast process by the Ikat technique. Patola of Patan is very world famous item of patan for shopping.

Hotels and Restaurants Near Rani Ki Vav Patan

There are some hotels and Dharamshalas available near ani Ki Vav (Queen's Step Well) Patan which are also served good food.

• Hotel Tulsi Patan
• Jai Kishan Guest House Patan
• Hotel Navjivan Patan
• Shakar Hotel Garden Patan
• Hotel Gokul Patan
• Alpha Hotel Patan
• Jethabapa Dharamshala
• ShriAmbaBai Dharamshala
• ShriKeshavLalJaisang Jain Dharamshala

How to Reach Rani Ki Vav (Queen's Step Well) Patan

By Road:

Patan is connected to the various cities of Gujarat like Ahmedabad which is about 125 km, Siddhapur which is about 28 km and about 25 kms. from Mehsana. Intercity State buses, AC and non Ac cars and shared jeeps frequently arrive from Ahmedabad to the city and its treasured heritage.

By Train:

The railway station is located on the Ahmedabad - Patan line. Trains are easily available from major cities of the country.

By Air:

The nearest airport is located at The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport Ahmedabad which is about 125 km. Frequent flights are available from the domestic and international destinations

Google Map For Rani Ki Vav (Queen's Step Well) Patan